Even though the worst days of the pandemic are behind us, more people than ever still choose to work from home. With remote work on the rise, home offices are also rising in popularity. When it comes to furnishing and decorating your office, it’s important to consider your lifestyle, preferences, and budget. The most important elements of the room are the desk, chair, storage, and lighting. Keep reading to learn more about each piece and how to choose the best option.
Desk
Having the right workspace makes all the difference in a home office. The type of desk you choose will depend on the type of work you do and personal preferences. Today’s modern desk designs often come with strategically-placed holes for equipment like desktops and printers. They also include drawers in a variety of depths and widths for everything from documents to pens and stationary items.
If you’re looking to maximize space, consider buying a corner desk with built-in storage. A mountable floating desk is also a space saver. If you switch between computer work and more traditional paperwork, an executive desk has ample room for both your laptop and paper files. Consider adding a few extra desk organizers on the surface to keep your workspace neat and organized.
Chair
If you spend the majority of your day at your home office desk, having a comfortable chair is key. Look for a chair with elements to support your back to keep your posture healthy. Chairs with wheels are ideal for mobility and swivels allow you to easily sit and stand. For a customizable fit, choose a chair with adjustable arms and a headrest.
One way to choose the right office seating for your needs is to check out customer reviews. Most of today’s top furniture retailers feature reviews from recent purchases along with a specific rating and details on what customers liked and disliked. You can also check out 1StopBedrooms reviews for more information on the best office chairs.
Storage
If your desk doesn’t have enough storage space for your office items, adding shelves, drawers, and cabinets is a must. Add floating shelves above your desk to keep smaller office items, like staplers and notepads. Shelves are also the perfect place to display pictures of family and friends, souvenirs from your favorite places, and sentimental keepsakes.
If you’re an avid reader or frequently use books as a reference in your line of work, incorporate a bookcase or two in your home office. Enhance your bookcase with storage containers for smaller items and add plants or home decor elements on top to personalize the space. Filing cabinets keep paper documents organized and out of the way. If your home office is small, look for a small cabinet with wheels to easily store in a closet or under your desk.
Lighting
When it comes to home office lighting, you have several different options. Lighting from the ceiling helps illuminate the entire room, with many people opting for a chandelier or hanging lights for visual appeal. Add a small desk lamp to your space if you need a little extra lighting in a focused area. Many desk lamps come with adjustable elements so you can shine the most light exactly where you need it.
Ambient lighting or colored lightbulbs can help set different moods in your office and bring in elements of relaxation. Use lighting to bring more personality into the space by adding a funky lava lamp or whimsical string lights. If you have a window in your office, consider placing your workstation where it will receive the most natural light during the day.
